"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Someone has to say it. I've said enough about the military over the years—and received my share of threats and hate mail for it—that it might as well be me.

Before I say what needs to be said, let me first mention a tragic event and then President Trump's two references to it.

On January 29, a U.S. Navy SEAL—Ryan Owens—was killed, three other American commandos were injured, and a $70 million Osprey was destroyed in an "intelligence-gathering operation" in Yemen at the compound of an Al Qaeda leader. The raid was the first counterterrorism operation authorized by President Trump since he took office, and Owens was the first U.S. service member to die in Yemen. U.S. Central Command acknowledged on February 1 that a team "concluded regrettably that civilian noncombatants were likely killed" and "casualties may include children." Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.)—who never met a U.S. military operation he didn't like—termed the operation "a failure." Owens' father refused to meet with Trump after his son's body was brought back to the United States because of his anger over the raid. 

On February 2, President Trump spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Here is what he said about the death of Ryan Owens:

I just came back yesterday, from Dover Air Force Base, to join the family of Chief William "Ryan" Owens as America's fallen hero was returned home. Very, very sad, but very, very beautiful, very, very beautiful. His family was there, incredible family, loved him so much, so devastated, he was so devastated, but the ceremony was amazing. He died in defense of our nation. He gave his life in defense of our people. Our debt to him and our debt to his family is eternal and everlasting. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." We will never forget the men and women who wear the uniform, believe me.

February 28, President Trump spoke to a joint session of Congress in the Capitol building. Here is what he said about the death of Ryan Owens:

Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero—battling against terrorism and securing our nation. I just spoke to our great General Mattis, just now, who reconfirmed that, and I quote, "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies." Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity. Thank you. Thank you. And Ryan is looking down right now, you know that, and he's very happy because I think he just broke a record.  For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom—and we will never forget Ryan.